10 Things to Do, Eat, and Explore Near SEA Airport

Last Updated: June 10, 2026

Looking for things to do near SEA Airport?

Seattle Southside, the area encompassing the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines, is full of surprises.

We partnered with Mina Oh, who hosts the popular YouTube channel Miss Mina, to highlight some of the best hidden gems near the airport. From family-friendly micoadventures to locally owned restaurants serving global cuisine, there are endless things to eat, see, and experience in this vibrant, multicultural region.

Pictured: The Museum of Flight in Tukwila, Washington

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Start your Seattle Southside adventure with brunch at Neighborhood Cafe in Tukwila, a Filipino-fusion spot known for its fluffy ube pancakes, coffee and matcha flights, and creative twists on Filipino classics.

Next, head to The Museum of Flight to explore everything from historic aircraft to the Aviation Pavilion, where visitors can step inside dozens of vintage planes and check out rotating art exhibits.

For lunch, experience authentic Ethiopian hospitality at Langano Coffee and Sandwich in SeaTac. Enjoy fresh injera, traditional dishes such as kitfo (raw beef), hearty breakfast sandwiches, and strong Ethiopian coffee served on a traditional, elegant coffee tray.

The afternoon continues with a stop at the Robert Morris Earthwork, a fascinating, larger-than-life piece of public art built into the ground. Next, grab organic tea and a grilled pork bánh mì at Teacup in Des Moines, then stroll through Des Moines Beach Park and the scenic marina along Puget Sound. You can use this self-guided Waterfront Art Tour to explore the fascinating sculptures displayed there.

Round out the evening with unlimited retro gaming at Waterland Arcade, then fill up on authentic Latin American flavors at Caribe Latin Cuisine, a locally owned restaurant in Tukwila serving Mexican and Honduran food. End your day with cocktails or mocktails and dessert at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar, a refined restaurant inside Cedarbrook Lodge, where ingredients and garnishes come straight from the property's garden and apiary.

After a day of culture and culinary exploration, you'll be ready to plop down in your hotel room. (Browse our hotel directory to find dozens of options, including places with pools, dog-friendly rooms, and free airport shuttles).

Start Planning Your Seattle Southside Adventure

Learn More About Each Location

Neighborhood Café

CLASSIC BRUNCH WITH A FILIPINO TWIST At Neighborhood Café in Tukwila, you’ll find a delicious fusion of American brunch staples, Filipino favorites and elements of…

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Teacup

Located just a few blocks from the scenic Des Moines Marina, Teacup offers a refreshing stop for boba and bites. This family-owned spot offers healthy…

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